ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID19 Vaccination: Myths Vs. Facts
Any death or hospitalization following vaccination cannot be automatically assumed to be due to vaccination
Causality assessments help to understand whether the “Adverse Event Following Immunization” was caused directly due to vaccine, and are conducted at State and national level for the investigated cases
There have been some media reports suggesting an increase in the cases of severe AEFI which have also resulted in ‘succumbing of patients’ post vaccination. As per the media reports, 488 deaths following vaccination are linked to post-COVID complications during 16th Jan 2021 and 7th June 2021 period where the total vaccination coverage was 23.5 crore.
It is clarified that these reports are based on incomplete and limited understanding of the matter at hand. It may be noted that the term “succumbed” insinuates causality i.e. the deaths were caused due to vaccination.
The number of deaths reported following COVID-19 vaccination in the country is only 0.0002% of 23.5 crore doses administered which is within the expected death rates in a population. In a population, deaths occur at a certain rate. Crude death rate in 2017 as per SRS data is 6.3 per 1000 persons annually .
It is also important and pertinent to note that the mortality rates for those testing positive for COVID-19 disease is more than 1% and COVID-19 vaccination can prevent these deaths. Therefore, the riskof dying following vaccination is negligible as compared to the known risk of dying due to COVID-19 disease.
Adverse Event Following Immunization  is defined as ‘any untoward medical occurrence which follows immunization and which does not necessarily have a causal relationship with the usage of the vaccine. It can be any unfavourable or unintended sign, abnormal laboratory finding, symptom or disease’. Healthcare workers, doctors and vaccine recipients have been always encouraged by the Government of India as well as State Governments to report all deaths, hospitalizations and events resulting in disability as well as any minor and adverse events following immunization at any point of time after vaccination.
Deaths, hospitalizations or events causing disability or concern following any vaccination are categorised as serious or severe cases and are to be investigated at the district level. Causality assessments help to understand whether the event was caused due to the vaccine and are conducted at the state and national level. Therefore, any death or hospitalization following vaccination cannot be automatically assumed to be due to vaccination unless investigated by the AEFI Committees at the district, state and national level and attributed to the Vaccination.
There is a robust system of AEFI surveillance at every level from the district to the State. Once the investigation is completed, the reports are released on the website of the Union health Ministry, following transparent sharing of COVID Vaccination related information.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Steps for Rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits
The Government has taken a number of steps for relief and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Migrants.
Under the Prime Minister’s Development Package, 2015 announced by the Prime Minister on 7th November, 2015, the Government of India has approved creation of 3,000 additional State Government jobs to the Kashmiri migrants at a cost of Rs. 1,080 crore and construction of 6,000 Transit Accommodations in the Kashmir Valley at a cost of Rs. 920 crore. This is in addition to 3,000 State Government jobs, construction of 725 Transit Accommodations sanctioned earlier besides financial assistance for construction of houses to the migrants and 5,242 two room tenements constructed in Jammu  and 200 flats constructed at Sheikhpora in Budgam district for the migrants.
The Government of India reimburses monthly cash relief to the Kashmiri migrants, which was enhanced in May, 2015 from Rs. 6,600/- to Rs. 10,000/- per family. Further, in June, 2018, the cash relief has been enhanced from Rs. 10,000/- to Rs. 13,000/- per family. Besides, the Government of India also reimburses the monthly cash relief to the Kashmiri Migrants settled in Delhi/NCR.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply to question in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
PM Distributes Over 70,000 Appointment Letters, with Personal Handovers by Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey in Ambala
In a momentous occasion that signifies the unleashing of opportunities for the youth of India, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi distributed over 70,000 appointment letters to newly inducted recruits at the successful Rozgar Mela. The event in Ambala, witnessed the personal handover of a select number of appointment letters by Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and Environment Forest and Climate Change, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey. The Rozgar Mela celebrated the government's commitment to employment generation, empowering the youth, and fostering sustainable development.
The Rozgar Mela, organized across 43 locations nationwide, witnessed the recruitment of deserving candidates in various government departments, reinforcing the government's dedication to building a robust and prosperous future for the country. The newly appointed recruits will be joining prestigious departments such as the Department of Posts, Department of School Education, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Defence, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Atomic Energy, Ministry of Railways, Department of Audit and Accounts, Department of Atomic Energy, and Ministry of Home Affairs, among others.
The success of the Rozgar Mela can be attributed to the combined efforts of multiple government agencies, working tirelessly to create meaningful employment opportunities to empower the youth.
Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey's presence at the event in Ambala added significance as he personally handed over a few appointment letters to the newly recruited candidates. His involvement underscores the government's dedication to providing opportunities for growth, development, and empowerment to the youth of India. “The government remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering individuals and fostering sustainable development”, he said, while addressing the gathering.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, through his virtual address, conveyed a strong message of support and encouragement to the newly inducted recruits. The distribution of over 70,000 appointment letters by the Prime Minister showcases the government's commitment to providing ample opportunities for the youth and reinforcing their crucial role in the nation's progress.
In addition to the appointment letters, the newly recruited individuals will have access to training programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing their skills and knowledge in areas of national importance. The Karmayogi Prarambh program, available on the iGOT Karmayogi portal, offers more than 400 e-learning courses, enabling the recruits to further develop their capabilities and contribute effectively to their respective roles.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav meets with H.E. Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Climate Envoy and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology
Sign MoU to establish a framework to facilitate and enhance bilateral cooperation on climate action
We need to prioritise the concerns of developing countries, particularly in areas of implementation support including finance and technology: Shri Bhupender Yadav
Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav had a bilateral meeting with H.E. Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Climate Envoy and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology. In the meeting, they discussed issues relating to climate change, hosting of COP 28 and other related matters.
Prior to the bilateral meeting, a MoU on Climate Action was also signed by the Hon’ble Ministers. The basic objective of this MoU is to establish a framework to facilitate and enhance bilateral cooperation on climate action, and also contributes towards implementing the Paris Agreement.
In the bilateral Meeting, Shri Bhupender Yadav took note of the UAE’s bid to host COP 28 in 2023, and stated that we need to prioritise the concerns of developing countries, particularly in areas of implementation support including finance and technology.
Union Environment Minister stressed that the issues of climate finance, adaptation, loss and damage, therefore, need more focus in the road beyond COP26. Shri Yadav acknowledged and appreciated the UAE’s climate actions, and also shared India’s concrete climate actions, which have been undertaking under the dynamic visionary guidance and leadership of our Prime Minister. He also requested UAE to consider joining Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure  and Leadership Group for Industry Transition .
Both sides also acknowledged that with the signing of the MoU on climate change, both sides may explore on how to strengthen bilateral cooperation on climate action mutually, especially in the areas and activities identified in the MoU.
Ministry of Finance
Exchange Rate Notification No. 34/2020 - Customs 
In exercise of the powers conferred by section 14 of the Customs Act, 1962 , the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs hereby make the following amendments in the Notification of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs No. 27/2020-CUSTOMS , dated 19th March, 2020 with effect from 28th March, 2020, namely: -
In the SCHEDULE-I of the Notification No.27/2020-Customs , dated 19th March, 2020 for serial No. 10 & 11 and the entries relating thereto, the following shall be substituted, namely: -
SCHEDULE-I
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Sl.No.
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Foreign Currency
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Rate of exchange of one unit of foreign currency equivalent to Indian rupees
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10.
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Norwegian Kroner
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7.30
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7.05
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11.
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Pound Sterling
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93.65
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90.35
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`
Prime Minister's Office
PM remembers all those who took part in Quit India Movement under Bapu's leadership
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has remembered all those who took part in the Quit India Movement under Bapu's leadership and strengthened our freedom struggle.
In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said;
"Remembering all those who took part in the Quit India Movement under Bapu's leadership and strengthened our freedom struggle."
"Here is picture of Mahatma Gandhi at the start of the Quit India Movement in Bombay. "
"August 9 has become a burning symbol of our national revolution” said Loknayak JP.
Inspired by Bapu, the Quit India Movement witnessed remarkable participation from people across all sections of society including greats like JP and Dr. Lohia."
Department of Space
The world today acknowledges India’s quantum leap in India’s Space research, following the massive push by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi when he took the courageous decision to "unlock" this sector from the shackles of the past.
“PM Modi has broken taboos of the past; at the same time, it has increased funding, it has enthused the private sector and the industry”: Dr Jitendra Singh
Dr Jitendra Singh says India’s Space economy projected to grow beyond $80 Billion by 2040
Union Minister of State  Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh has said, the world today acknowledges India’s quantum leap in the Space sector, following the massive push by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi when he took the courageous decision to "unlock" this sector from the shackles of the past.
“Prime Minister Modi has broken the taboos of the past and sometimes I wonder why this couldn’t have happened earlier. At the same time, even at the physical level, it has increased funding, it has enthused the private sector and the industry. Within just 3-4 years we have more than 150 Startups,” he said in an interview to a news channel.
Dr Jitendra Singh said ISRO has launched more than 380 foreign satellites, earning more than 250 Million Euros and more than 170 Million US Dollars by launching American satellites.
“Overall, India’s Space economy today stands at about $ 8 billion, viz 2% of the global  but the entire world is recognizing increased pace and that’s why the conservative projections are $40 billion by 2040, but the other day, about 2-3 days back, we had the ADL  Report, which mentions that we could have the potential of $100 Billion by 2040, which is going to be a gigantic jump. And that’s what the world is now expecting, because we’ve started moving very fast, our launchings are also very frequent,” he said.
Dr Jitendra Singh said the ambitious Gaganyaan will have its first trial flight by the first or second week of October following the launch of first Sun Mission “Aditya-L1” on 2nd of September. In the second trial, possibly beginning of next year, a female robot named “Vyommitra” will be onboard the Gaganyaan before the first human mission which may include up to three astronauts, he said.
Denying that India is in competition with any other nation in Space exploration, Dr Jitendra Singh reiterated that India’s Space Research and Atomic Energy programmes are, as envisaged by the founding fathers, entirely peaceful and that the ISRO is collaborating with leading Space agencies and has put into orbit several satellites of private foreign entities and educational institutions.
Referring to applications of Space Technology to different sectors like Railways, Highways, Agriculture, Water Mapping, Smart Cities, Telemedicine and Robotic Surgery, which brought ‘Ease of Living’ for the common man, Dr Jitendra Singh said, Space tech has touched virtually every household in India.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Transshipment hub
Currently, nearly 75% of India’s Transshipment cargo is handled at ports outside India. The Ports of Colombo, Singapore, and Klang handle more than 85% of this cargo. Developing a port into Transshipment Hub will accrue significant benefits such as forex savings, foreign direct investment, increased economic activity at other Indian Ports, development of related logistics infrastructure, employment generation, improve operation/logistics efficiencies and increase in revenue share. Several other allied businesses viz. ship chandlery-ship supplies, ship repair, crew change facility, logistics value added services, warehousing and bunkering also come up at the Transshipment port.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways is in receipt of suggestions from stakeholders to make Visakhapatnam as Transshipment Hub. Presently, however, these proposals namely developing Galathea Bay at Great Nicobar Islands, development of Cochin Port into Transshipment facility have been taken up by the Government of India. This apart, the State Government of Kerala in association with Private Investor and partial financial support from the Ministry of Finance  is also developing a Transshipment project at Vizhinjam in Kerala.
Tariff Guidelines, 2021 provide the flexibility of fixing the market determined tariff to PPP Operators thereby creating a healthy competition leading to rationalization of logistics costs.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Ports Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Ceremony of assumption of Office by the President-elect
The Ceremony of assumption of Office by ShrimatiDroupadiMurmu, the President-elect will be held on Monday, July 25, 2022 at 10:15 AM in the Central Hall of Parliament House, New Delhi.
The Chairman of theRajya Sabha, the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of India, the Speakerof the Lok Sabha, Members of the Council of Ministers, Governors, Chief Ministers, Heads of Diplomatic Missions, Members of Parliament and principal Civil and Military Officers of the Government of India will assemble in the Central Hall for the Ceremony.
The President and the President-elect will arrive in the Central Hall in a ceremonial procession. The President–elect will take the Oath of Office in the presence of the Chief Justice of India, followed by a 21-Gun Salute. The President will then deliver an address. On the conclusion of the Ceremony in the Central Hall, the President will leave for Rashtrapati Bhavan where an Inter-Services Guard of Honour will be given to her in the Forecourt and courtesies will be extended to the outgoing President.
NW/RK/AY/RR
(Visitor Counter : 1037
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Regional Trade Agreements
India currently has 11 Free Trade Agreements /Regional Trade Agreements  with other countries/regions. In addition, it has 6 limited coverage Preferential Trade Agreements . The details are as under:
- Free Trade Agreements 
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S.No.
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Name of the Agreement
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1
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India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement 
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2
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Agreement on South Asian Free Trade Area 
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3
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India-Nepal Treaty of Trade
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4
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India-Bhutan Agreement on Trade, Commerce and Transit
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5
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India-Thailand FTA - Early Harvest Scheme 
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6
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India-Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement 
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7
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India-ASEANFTA
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8
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India-South Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement 
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9
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India-Japan CEPA
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10
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India-Malaysia CECA
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11
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India-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement 
- Preferential Trade Agreements 
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S.No.
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Name of the Agreement
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1
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Asia Pacific Trade Agreement 
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2
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Global System of Trade Preferences 
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3
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SAARC Preferential Trading Agreement 
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4
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India-Afghanistan PTA
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5
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India – MERCOSUR PTA
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6
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India – Chile PTA
A few instances of re-routing of goods through the countries with which India has FTAs/RTAs have come to notice. To address this issue, Government has issued Customs  Rules, 2020  with effect from September 21, 2020 to supplement the procedures prescribed under different FTAs. These rules also cast responsibility on the importers to conduct due diligence for ensuring that the goods meet the prescribed rules of origin. The newly introduced provisions act as deterrent against misuse of trade agreements. In addition, an FTA monitoring committee has been constituted with representation from government departments, trade and industry bodies to identify issues relating to misuse of FTA provisions and recommend action.
The value of India’s trade with FTA/RTA partner countries in the last five years is as below:

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Export/Import
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2016-17
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2017-18
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2018-19
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2019-20
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2020-21
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India's exports
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59152.29
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67576.95
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73550.13
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63515.49
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63105.49
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India's imports
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65789.08
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77692.17
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93287.57
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87327.72
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74538.07

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Smt. Anupriya Patel, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Finance
Loans worth more than Rs 1 lakh crore sanctioned under ECLGS
More than 30 lakh units of MSMEs & other businesses received help under the Scheme
Under the 100 % Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme  backed by a Government guarantee , Banks from Public & Private Sectors have sanctioned loans worth over Rs. 1 lakh crore as of June 26, 2020, of which more than Rs 45,000 crore has already been disbursed. This would help more than 30 lakh units of MSMEs & other businesses restart their businesses post the lockdown..
PSBs have sanctioned loans of Rs 57,525.47 crore whereas Private Sector Banks have sanctioned loans of Rs 44,335.52 crore under ECLGS. The top lenders under the Scheme are SBI , Bank of Baroda, PNB, Canara Bank & HDFC.
Details of Loans sanctioned & disbursement by 12 PSBs are as follows:
(As part of the Aatmanirbhar package Government had announced its plans for Rs. 3 lakh Crore as additional credit to MSMEs and small businesses. Such enterprises were to be eligible to receive upto 20% of their existing borrowing as additional loans at interest rates which were capped.
State wise details of loans sanctioned and disbursed under ECLGS by PSBs are as follows:
RM/KMN
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Ceiling/Cap on MEIS benefits available to exporters on exports made from 1.9.2020 to 31.12.2020
A limit has been imposed on total rewards under the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme . A notification issued by Directorate Generate of Foreign Trade  last evening says that the total reward which may be granted to an IEC holder under the scheme shall not exceed Rs.2 Crore per IEC of exports made in the period 1.9.2020 to 31.12.2020. Further, it has also been informed that any IEC holder who has not made any exports for a period of one year preceding 1.9.2020 or any new IECs obtained on or after 1st September would not be eligible for submitting any claim under MEIS. In addition, MEIS Scheme is withdrawn w.e.f. 1.1.2021. The above ceiling will be subject to further downward revision to ensure that the total claim under MEIS for the period 1.9.2020 to 31.12.2020 does not exceed prescribed allocation by the Government which is Rs.5,000 Crore.
It is estimated that 98 per cent of the exporters’ claim of MEIS will be unaffected by the changes. The unaffected exporters who have already factored in MEIS in the pricing of their products do not face any change or uncertainty since neither coverage of products nor rates of MEIS will be changed. An advance notice of 4 months of the end date of MEIS provides certainty for the future pricing decisions.
Ministry of Coal
Launch of the Second Attempt of Auction Process for Eleven Coal Mines for Sale of Coal
The Nominated Authority of the Ministry of Coal, has launched today the second attempt of auction process for eleven coal mines  Act and 7 mines under the Tranche 2 of MMDR Act) earmarked for Sale of Coal in accordance with the rules prescribed under these Acts. Out of these 11 mines, six are fully explored and five are partially explored. These were the mines which were offered in the first attempt launched on March 25this year and had fetched single bids.
The auction shall be held online through a transparent twostage process, on the basis of percentage revenue share. Key features of auction process include introduction of National Coal Index, ease in participation with no restriction for prior coal mining experience, full flexibility in coal utilisation, optimized payment structures, efficiency promotion through incentives for early production and use of clean coal technology.
The commencement of sale of tender document shall start from 27th September, 2021. Details of the mines, auction terms, timelines etc. can be accessed on MSTC  auction platform.
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people on Lachit Diwas
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people on the occasion of Lachit Diwas.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"Greetings on Lachit Diwas. This Lachit Diwas is special because we mark the 400th birth anniversary of the great Lachit Borphukan. He epitomised unparalleled courage. He placed the well-being of people above everything else and was a just as well as visionary leader."